Discussed are some of the strategies required to try to detect and explain DNA markers that account for small amounts of behavioral variation. Situations in both animal and human behavior are described. The link between molecular biology and behavior is highlighted. (CW)

Reports results of a study for NSF on the scientific instrumentation needs of research universities. Examines current status of scientific instruments in 16 major research universities, six government laboratories, and nine commercial laboratories; and identifies factors that facilitate or impede their acquisition, use, and development. (CS)

Described is research conducted on cluster-assembled matter. The differing character of these arrangements of matter are discussed. Methods used to produce clusters are reviewed. (CW)

A rapid sequencing method for ribosomal RNA was applied to the resolution of evolutionary relationships among Metazoa. Describes the four groups (chordates, echinoderms, arthropods, and eucoelomate protostomes) that radiated from the coelomates. (TW)

Presents the viewpoints of a prominent behavioral scientist concerning the role of the environment in the evolution of behavior. (CS)

This research news article on microelectronics discusses the scientific challenge the integrated circuit industry will have in the next decade, for designing the complicated microcircuits made possible by advancing miniaturization technology. (HM)

Traces the history and function of State, Operator, And Result (SOAR), a general-purpose artificial intelligence program for solving problems. The SOAR can "chunk" the result of a subgoal and learn from previous experiences. The SOAR could be applied to various expert systems. (YP)

Studies demonstrate increasing glucose metabolic rates in human primary (PVC) and association (AVC) visual cortex as complexity of visual scenes increase. AVC increased more rapidly with scene complexity than PVC and increased local metabolic activities above control subject with eyes closed; indicates wide range and metabolic reserve of visual…

Described is an overview of the Voyager 2 encounter with Neptune. Discussed are the trajectory, atmosphere, rings, satellites, magnetosphere, and future of Voyager 2. (YP)

Described is the discovery that oscillations of electric potential at 40 hertz hold the key to how the brain assembles sense impressions into a single object. Potential implications from this research are discussed. (CW)

Describes the use of brain models to connect the microscopic level accessible by molecular and cellular techniques with the systems level accessible by the study of behavior. Discusses classes of brain models, and specific examples of such models. Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of using brain modelling to understand human brain function.…

Discusses the problem of the shortage of engineers capable of designing advanced integrated circuits (IC) and presents some suggestions for increasing the number of IC designers in universities and semiconductor companies. (HM)

Discussed is wavelet theory, which provides ways to rearrange data to reveal features of a physical or mathematical system which might otherwise be hidden. This theory is compared to fourier analysis and the advantages of wavelet theory are stressed. Applications of this technique are suggested. (CW)

A sexual dimorphism in the functional asymmetry of the damaged human brain is reflected in a test-specific laterality effect in male patients, explaining some contradictions concerning the effects of unilateral brain damage on intelligence in studies in which the influence of sex was overlooked. (Author/SK)

Suggests that since most newborn infants (65%) preferred to lie with their heads turned to the right, whereas 15% showed a distinct preference for the left, right head-orientation preference may contribute to the early development of right-handedness. (Author/SK)